First and foremost, we would like to thank everyone for their prayers, love, and support over the past few weeks. We have been showered with cards, texts, messages, prayers, gifts, gift cards, and donations and we had a Meal Train organized for us by our wonderful neighborhood. We cannot even begin to express our gratitude. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!
Pedicure Day
Our morning started very early because we had to be at the hospital by 6:25 am. My day started with a fantastic surprise in my front yard, a sign that said, "Cortney, You've Got This." It was the sweetest thing to wake up to, and it was exactly what I needed that morning. I still haven't figured out who made the sign to be able to thank them properly. Nick asked me how I was feeling, and I told him I was taking it one step at a time. Take a shower, grab my overnight bags, get Jackson's breakfast set out, drop the pup off at my besties, and then drive to uptown to the hospital. I only worried about one thing at a time that morning. We were checked in and waited an hour before they called me back to be prepped. We froze to death but shared lots of laughs bc an older gentleman was there, and he did not have his phone on vibrate, so every time it went off, it made donkey sounds. Yes, donkey sounds. We laughed so hard we just about cried. So at least, we were entertained. 🤣
(Sweet sign left at our house)
I finally get called back and get to rock the beautiful hospital gown and non-slip socks. I looked just like a supermodel. 😍HA! However, I have to note that I gave myself an actual pedicure a couple days before, so hopefully, the Dr. would feel a little bad about cutting off my pretty toes! After I met with the nurse and had my IV put in, Nick could come back to join me. We met with so many people that day, nurses, the anesthesiology team, and my surgical team. I was grateful that they offered me a nerve block in my leg, so it would help with the pain when I woke up.
(Pic from Pre-Op)
It was finally pedicure time at 9:51 a.m.; we were only delayed about 30 minutes. I said my goodbyes to Nick, which is always the most challenging part when I have surgery. The look of fear, sadness and concern on his face shook me to my core. I reassured him that everything was going to be fine, that I could handle this. They wheeled me back to the OR, and we started talking about my favorite place in the world, the Caribbean, and the next thing I knew, I was waking up. It was finally over. I generally get very sick from anesthesia, but since this is my fourth surgery, we finally have created a concoction of nausea meds that works perfectly. At 1:18, I made contact with Nick to let him know I was ok.
(Pic from Recovery)
I spent a while in recovery while they waited for my room to be cleaned. Nick wasn't allowed back in recovery, so I sent him a pic so he would know I was perfectly OK. At 3:11, I headed to my room. Nick had already made it to my room and was standing in the doorway waiting for me. I gave him a big ole smile and wave, and I could see the relief in his face. Once they got me situated in my room, he showed me my beautiful view of uptown Charlotte. It was gorgeous.
(View of Uptown from My Room)
Once I met my fantastic nurse Emily, I asked her if I was allowed to get up to use the restroom. She said as long as I thought I could do it; then she was ok with it. She went and got a walker, and off I went! It was the most incredible feeling, to be up and about at 4:11, just a few hours after surgery!! I don't think I have ever been so proud of myself. One of the three surgeons stopped by to check on me. They have me in a cast-type splint that is usually wrapped in beige. Dr. Li said since I called my surgery a pedicure, I deserved more than beige, so she wrapped mine in pink. :-) (You'll see it below!)
(Pic of first walk post surgery)
I changed into my own nightshirt, which always makes you feel instantly better. At first, they brought me a liquid meal, bc I usually get ill from anesthesia. But my nurse said she just changed it to a regular meal, and she could get me something else. So we decided on pizza. I had zero hope for hospital pizza, BUT it was delicious! Nick showed Jackson a picture, and he was jealous! My son is a pizza connoisseur!
(Pic of Me, Nick & the pizza)
Things quieted for the night, and I finally convinced Nick to go home to see J. That was what I wanted more than anything. He couldn't bare to leave, but I told him I was in great hands at the hospital. That was the truth, they were terrific. I didn't get much sleep that night bc the nurses were always coming and going. I did grab a catnap here or there. I wanted to get enough sleep to be ready for physical therapy that was coming early the next morning.
I will be blogging about Day 2 (The One With the Pedicure - Part 2) in the next few days. But I did want to leave you with the first picture of Regina. I'm very proud of Regina because it symbolizes how badly I want to live for my family and be an inspiration for others. Thank you for reading along with our journey. Part 2 is coming very soon. Love to you all!
(Introducing Regina)
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